Launched in 2008, the Songlines Music Awards celebrate and acknowledge the breadth of musical talents from around the world featured in Songlines magazine. From over 600 albums to a shortlist of 16, we have finally selected four outstanding artists.

Best Artist – AngéliqueKidjoFor Spirit Rising on Wrasse Records

As one of Africa’s most exciting live acts, it’s surprising that it’s taken the effervescent Kidjo this long to get around to an in-concert album. Recorded in Boston, the set showcases her impressive diversity, augmented by a procession of celebrity guests.

Best Group – Lo’JoFor Cinéma el Mundo on World Village

Sounding as fresh and intriguing as ever after their 30 years together, the French collective’s tenth album offers the usual enticing global pick’n’mix of musical influences and styles. The great Robert Wyatt is among the guests supporting the enigmatic poetry and singing of Denis Péan and the thrilling voices of the el Mourid sisters.

Woozy but sprightly dub remixes from former Transglobal Underground man Nick Page and his Addis/London collective. Taking material from their previous releases and mixing Ethio jazz with Jamaican reggae, the album impressively manages to combine an authentic 70s dub aesthetic with the crisp definition of modern production.

Newcomer – MokoombaFor Rising Tide on Zig Zag World/IglooMondo

A young band from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Mokoomba make a joyful noise and their debut is full of energetic playing, produced with impressive polish by Zap Mama’s Manou Gallo. The raw, potent vocals of Mathias Muzaza are particularly striking and they’re great live – last year’s performance at WOMEX blew away even the most jaded.

Watch our brand new Songlines Music Awards 2013 video below, featuring a performance from each winner.

You can purchase the official Songlines Music Awards 2013 compilation album exclusively on Amazon for £2.99, OR only £1.99 if purchased with any other world music album (offer available until June 30). Click here to get your copy.